In 1984, President Ronald Reagan, along with the Congress passed Joint Resolution 322, designating the week of October 7, 1984 as Mental Illness Awareness Week.

Luckily, this awareness campaign has continued on for decades both here in the United States and in Canada – as well as sparking similar awareness campaigns in countries all over the world.

Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) doesn’t just help educate the public about the truths and myths surrounding mental illness... or what the warning signs of suicide are... or how the cruel sting of stigma keeps many from getting treatment that can be life changing.

MIAW also promotes resources for those who are struggling with mental illness or love someone with a disorder. Such outreach offers support, healing, information and empowerment.

And perhaps more important is that during Mental Illness Awareness Week action programs are offered, like free mental health screenings.

Why Screenings are Useful

Screenings for mental health offer tremendous advantages. Here are just a few:

Screenings are fast and simple; taking only a few minutes to complete.

Screenings are a cost effective way to identify at-risk children and adults.

Screenings NOT ONLY identify those at risk, but children and adults who may already be experiencing significant symptoms.

Screenings can also highlight subclinical symptoms, enabling early intervention.

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About Me

A psychologist and practicing psychoanalyst, Dr. Deborah Serani specializes in treating trauma and depression. Information provided in this blog is to be used for educational purposes only. It should NOT be used as a substitute for therapy.